‘God by my side’: Miss Heilala overcomes online attacks

Tonga’s prestigious beauty pageant crowned a law graduate from Vava’u as its new Miss Heilala in Nuku’alofa last week.

But it has not all gone the way Racheal Angelica 'O Manakakapu Guttenbeil imagined it would.

Since crowning night, Guttenbeil has faced some harsh online criticism particularly from supporters of some of her fellow contestants.

Guttenbeil took to her social media to thank her supporters for their love and kindness, and encouraged them to not be “disheartened from all the negativity”.

Speaking to PMN Tonga’s John Pulu, Guttenbeil says that while she is still receiving online hate, keeping her core team close is the silver lining of this experience.

“Even though (there is) cyber bullying, you guys encourage me, motivate me with that alone and I just move forward with God by my side."

Racheal with her Mum, who she says is her inspiration. Photo/Facebook

“I have my mom especially, my two sisters who came from Fiji to support me. My best friend who was always beside me making sure I won’t fall. Her name is Anna Takau," she said.

“I am deeply grateful for everyone who supported me along the way and also, my family back from Vava’u.”

Sponsored by AGT & Maa’imoa Catering, Guttenbeil was among 12 contestants vying for the title.

The 26-year-old excelled across several categories including the sarong wear, pre-pageant interviews, and the tau’olunga section. Almost 9800 likes on the Heilala Festival Facebook page saw Guttenbeil take out Miss Popularity as well.

She is still coming to terms with the win.

“It feels surreal and I count it as a blessing and it’s such an honour.

“I’m just trying to get all my emotions together to grasp that I am really the Miss Heilala for this year.”

Competition jitters during the first judging event may have caused a slight hiccup for Guttenbeil where she stumbled through answering her pre-pageant interview.

She says that shook her confidence a bit and she tried to not let it affect the rest of her journey.

“Due to the stage interview, I felt doubt in myself…cost me points in getting Miss Heilala.

“I guess the rest of my categories and what I achieved really did great. So with the stage interview it’s just a few points, so nai, sai pe.

“But that alone got me a bit down, ‘cause I was disappointed in myself. My public speaking was just not good. It was just a moment of (blankness) and the feeling of so many emotions coming through.”

Guttenbeil performing her tau'olunga during the Miss Heilala contest. Photo/Heilala Festival

Guttenbeil graduated in April from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji with degrees in Law and Commerce and Human Resource Management.

She said she entered Miss Heilala to bring her interests of both fashion and women empowerment together.

“Honestly, I like to dress up and I got into the model industry. So I chose to step in as a role model. It’s more than just beauty, it’s more than just Miss Heilala.

“If you want to do pageantry please go for it. Don’t let challenges hinder your light from shining through.”

Photo/Heilala Festival

Looking ahead, Guttenbeil hopes to use her role and the networks with Tonga Tourism to showcase the natural geographical beauty of her home region of Vava’u through social media, and help connect the world to the ancestral stories of her home.

Guttenbeil will represent Tonga at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant hosted by Solomon Islands in January 2025.

Watch the Miss Heilala 2024 crowning ceremony here.